Interaction of Different Types of Cells on Polymer Surfaces with Wettability Gradient

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Gradient surfaces allow for examining property effects in a single experiment.
• Understanding biological interactions with surfaces is crucial for biomaterial development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create and characterize wettability gradient surfaces on polyethylene.
• To investigate the interaction of cells and serum proteins with these gradient surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Corona discharge treatment with a knife-type electrode to create a wettability gradient on polyethylene (PE).
• Characterization using water contact angle measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA).
• Cell adhesion and growth studies with Chinese hamster ovary, fibroblast, and endothelial cells, observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

• A gradual wettability gradient was successfully created on PE surfaces.
• Cells and serum proteins showed maximum adhesion and adsorption at moderate hydrophilicity (around 55° water contact angle).
• Both cell adhesion and growth were significantly higher on moderately hydrophilic surfaces compared to hydrophobic or highly hydrophilic areas.

Conclusions:

• Wettability gradient surfaces are effective for studying biological interactions.
• Moderate surface hydrophilicity optimizes cell adhesion, spreading, and growth.
• Serum protein adsorption correlates with cell behavior on gradient surfaces, suggesting a role in mediating cell-surface interactions.